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Your gateway into a FTSE 100

Published on: 16 Aug 2014

Finance skills provide gateway into FTSE 100 companies If you’ve got your sights set on FTSE 100 companies then you’ve definitely selected the ideal career path because finance skills are among the most sought after at these organisations. According to a recent study by recruiter Robert Half, more than half of FTSE 100 CEOs have a finance background. The study looked at the background and experience of current FTSE 100 CEOs and identified that 52% of CEOs have an accountancy or financial management background

FTSE 1000 companiesJust over one in ten (12%) moved from a previous finance role within their current company to become CEO, showing immediate progression from CFO or financial management to the top spot. 

The trend continues with the constant transformation of the FTSE 100, with 10 of the 18 new CEOs to join the FTSE 100 (whether promoted or newly joining the Index) between 2012 and 2013 having a finance background.

“The risk and regulation agenda is driving demand for those with finance skills who can oversee all operational reporting groups within a business.  We anticipate that this demand will carry on for the foreseeable future, which means that finance continues to be a great career path for those looking to climb to the very top of the career ladder”, says Phil Sheridan, UK Managing Director of Robert Half.